Method and apparatus for composite rib and rib-and-sheet molding
US11059239B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08J2363/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Rib-and-sheet structures include a rib comprising continuous, aligned fibers. The rib is fabricated via compression molding from continuous, aligned fiber, thereby providing an aligned, continuously reinforced rib. In one embodiment, rib-and-sheet structures are produced in a two-step compression-molding process, wherein a near net-shape rib is molded, in a first mold, from fiber-bundle based preforms, and then a rib-and-sheet part is molded by placing, in a second mold, the rib with either: (i) a preformed sheet, (ii) plies that form a laminate/sheet or (iii) chopped fibers that form a sheet during the molding process. In another embodiment, rib-and-sheet structures are fabricated in a one-step compression-molding process, wherein fiber-bundle-based preforms and (i) a preformed sheet, (ii) plies that form a laminate/sheet, or (iii) chopped fibers are combined in a single mold and molded in a single step.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.